SIR Alex Ferguson believes the pressure on United and Benfica will produce a great game in their Champions League decider.

Last night's goalless draw with Villarreal was the fourth time the Red Devils have failed to score in five outings in the competition this season and leaves them needing to beat Benfica in Lisbon on December 7 to guarantee a place in the last 16.

Given United have not won a Champions League away game in seven attempts since beating Panathinaikos two years ago - and Ruud van Nistelrooy is having a rare barren European campaign - the odds on United achieving their aim appear long.

But Ferguson refuses to concede defeat, even though he accepts the task is a tough one.

"I am still optimistic," he said. "Obviously we have a big job against Benfica because it is a game we have to win.

"But it is not totally unusual for us to be in this position. Our form is getting better and it must help us that Benfica have to win too.

"It will be a great atmosphere, in a great stadium and while pressure comes in all forms, I am expecting a great game."

Even though they have won just once in the competition so far this season, another draw in Lisbon would be enough to ease United through should Villarreal beat Lille in their final game.

However, should a win for the French side be matched by a Red Devils draw, Ferguson will need to get his calculator out to find out if his team have advanced.

"We can't go into the game thinking about anything other than winning it," said Ferguson, dismissing the mathematics.

"You could say the same thing about everyone else, so in that sense it is a very open situation. We know every team will be trying that's for sure."